Transitioning to the gym

Updated 6:53 AM ET, Fri November 8, 2013

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Transitioning to the gym – You've spent months frolicking in the great outdoors, whether running solo through the fall foliage or playing ultimate Frisbee with your friends. But that chill in the air means it's almost time to hit the gym. Thankfully, heading inside doesn't mean you have to sacrifice a fun-filled workout.

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Photos:Transitioning to the gym

Transitioning to the gym – Love being part of a team? Take your friends inside for a game of volleyball, roller hockey or indoor soccer. Some city kickball leagues -- a popular option for the less athletically inclined -- even offer dodgeball as a winter alternative.

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Photos:Transitioning to the gym

Transitioning to the gym – Running is one of the most fundamental exercises -- it requires minimal equipment and most everybody knows how to do it. It's also an excellent workout; depending on your body weight and speed, runners burn around 700 calories an hour.

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Transitioning to the gym – To get the same results indoors, make sure your treadmill is set at a 1% incline. Doing intervals at varying speeds and inclines will also help you increase your endurance.

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Transitioning to the gym – Rollerblading is a great cardiovascular workout that burns tons of calories and helps shape your hips, thighs and butt without a lot of impact on your joints.

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Transitioning to the gym – For a similar burn indoors, try out one of the new trampoline parks opening around the country. Many offer adult-only jump sessions where you can feel like a kid again (without running over one) and aerobics-like classes that will up your heart rate in a new way.

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Transitioning to the gym – There's nothing better than breathing in the fresh fall air as you tackle a hike with your family. But frostbite can diminish that post-workout glow.

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Transitioning to the gym – Trade in your hiking boots for some cushy sneakers and run steps at an indoor stadium. Or try that stair-stepper machine you've been avoiding at the gym. You'll increase your aerobic capacity and firm that troublesome gluteus maximus (butt) area. To replicate a true hiking atmosphere, turn on the Travel Channel.

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Transitioning to the gym – If you've just finished your first -- or fifth -- triathlon, you may miss the long training rides that took up your summer months.

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Transitioning to the gym – Spin classes are a good way to avoid repetitive miles on the stationary bicycle. Spinning mimics all the benefits of a long ride outdoors with sprints and "hills," with the added benefit of strength training during breaks. Though these group classes have decreased in popularity in recent years, gyms are finding new ways to spice them up -- like adding water.

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Transitioning to the gym – Sometimes keeping up with the household chores is exercise enough. Raking leaves can burn up to 300 calories an hour and lead to some seriously toned arms. Plus, jumping in the leaves is fun for the whole family.

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Transitioning to the gym – To work out your arms indoors, take your kids to an rock climbing facility. They'll have a blast pulling themselves up the wall -- and may be too tired to climb the bedroom furniture later.